If you’re even remotely into email newsletters, you’ve possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different regarding this platform, something that makes designers like you quit, take a breath, and state, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Jonathan Katz Beehiiv…
I’ve been precisely where you are. Trying to select the ideal e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. Yet after almost ten years helpful people browse email marketing and two years running my own e-newsletter, I lastly started and offered Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I really did not simply dabble. I moved whatever over. Here’s why you may intend to do the same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re reputable. They have actually obtained a clean user interface and a loyal community of authors. Yet when it pertains to money making and audience ownership, they falter. Difficult.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It seems cool theoretically, right? Like, more exposure, more involvement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual clients. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not get your emails in their inbox. You can’t contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So generally, you’re constructing a list … that you do not possess.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can build a real relationship. That’s exactly how it should be.
The Hidden Price of Comfort
Currently let’s talk cash. Every time a person spends for your newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 customer? You’re swiping simply over $6. Not terrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That added cash accumulates quickly, specifically if you’re preparing to grow or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to develop an organization (even a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating into your earnings prior to you even begin.
What It’s In Fact Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re stressed that moving your list or establishing automations will certainly be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle before. You understand the drill: busted kinds, ghosted subscribers, styling headaches. But with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking useful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual support when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain name
Something that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of just tossing your e-mail domain name into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain utilizing their own framework. It’s clever. Like, really clever.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No cool CSV issues. No subscribers vanishing into the void. Also attaching my web site was fine– alright, the designing took a bit of elbow grease, yet hey, no platform’s best.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t perfect. Yet it’s excellent. Truly good.
You can drag, drop, design, and preview effortlessly. If you’re not doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll most likely enjoy it. Want to decrease in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Clipping Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly caution you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had perfectly written e-newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not fun.
But I found a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML size prior to sending. It’s a bit manual, sure, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the feared clipping issue.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Real Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely radiates.
It resembles they actually want you to expand your audience. Stunning, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your current subscribers bring in brand-new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a free gift? Deal a bonus offer for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of various other newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Cash, Less Migraines
This was one of the biggest reasons I transferred to Beehiiv, I intended to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that attaches you with genuine enrollers.
Customizable paid subscriptions with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing web traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was already earning greater than I ever before did on my old platform and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: the majority of newsletter devices do not care about your landing page. However Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous issues
- Customized types, branding and Jonathan Katz Beehiiv
It’s not a full-on CMS, however, for a lot of developers, it’s more than enough. And it just functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or damaged embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t just get open and click prices. You obtain real understandings:.
Where subscribers came from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and optimize every action of your funnel, from type to open up to acquire. And that kind of presence? Priceless when you’re attempting to grow on purpose.
What Beehiiv Could Boost?
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s got space to expand. Here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One form = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some e-commerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be much faster on the weird edge cases.
But right here’s the important things, Beehiiv actually pays attention. I’ve currently seen updates turn out based upon customer comments, and that’s a truly great indication.
The Bottom Line: Jonathan Katz Beehiiv
If you’re a developer, author, or indie author who wants:
- To expand your listing fast,
- To keep complete possession of your clients,
- To really earn money without system fines,
- And to not battle with cumbersome email building contractors …
Then indeed, you need to definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire advanced CRM automations, maybe look somewhere else. But if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand, or a passion task?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs About
1. Can I move my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and completely sustained. No CSV problems here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Just the standard Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for newbies?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you have actually never established a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Target market possession, far better money making tools, no system fees, and more list-growth options.
5. Can I use my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.